(Up)Beat (Up)Date
As we step into the New Year, we’re reminded that January is a time for new beginnings, fresh resolve, and a renewed call to action. At the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF), our mission to provide help, hope, and reasons to smile for cancer patients and their families remains as critical as ever.
Every day, we see firsthand the impact of our programs across New England—offering financial assistance and food security that helps families keep the lights on, put food on the table, and stay afloat during the challenging days of cancer treatment. These vital services are only possible thanks to the unwavering support of individuals, businesses, and communities like yours.
In 2025, we’re setting bold goals to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and bring more supporters into the fold. Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference through our Bridge Builder Monthly Giving Program (individual giving), a business ready to lead the way through our Champions Circle Giving Society, or a young professional eager to get involved, there’s a place for everyone in our mission.
We know it takes a village to support cancer patients and their families—and that’s where you come in. Together, we can ensure no family in New England facing cancer has to choose between treatment and everyday essentials.
Let’s make this year a testament to what’s possible when a community unites to bring light in dark times. Will you join us in 2025 as a Bridge Builder, a Champion, or an advocate for hope?
Here’s to a year of action, impact, and compassion. Together, we can make a real difference.
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
Building Sweet Memories: Gingerbread Kits Deliver Joy to Cancer Patients
Sometimes, it’s the simplest traditions that bring the most holiday cheer. In December, JAF spread joy by sending Ginger Betty’s Gingerbread House Kits to 48 patients and their families around New England. These festive kits are part of JAF’s (Up)Beat Events held throughout the year and brought smiles, laughter, and quality family time when it was needed most. JAF hosted a ‘contest’ for the best design but, let’s face it, they were ALL winners in our book! Well done, everyone!
Last Chance to Win VIP Experience & Tickets to the BIG GAME in New Orleans
You still have time to enter the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Big Game Sweepstakes! Picture yourself and a guest in New Orleans for The Big Game on Sunday, February 9, 2025! No matter whom you root for, this prize package will make you feel like a champion!
Grand Prize Includes:
Two (2) tickets to the Big Game at the New Orleans Caesars Superdome.
Access to the On Location Lounge & Gifting Suite February 6 -8, which is the ultimate VIP experience!
✈️ $1,000 Southwest Airlines flight voucher for your travel needs.
Hotel stay for two at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.
2nd Place Prize:
Score a 65” Samsung Smart TV shipped right to your home.
Special Bonus Offer!
Spend $100 or more on your sweepstakes entry and receive an autographed photo of 3x Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi personalized with the entrant’s name!
Hurry – the winner will be drawn TOMORROW January 31 at 9:00 a.m. EST.
Send Love (& Help) This Valentine’s Day
This February, JAF, along with Cupid Joe, is making Valentine’s Day extra special again for your loved ones and New England cancer patients!
With a contribution to JAF, you can send a unique valentine message to make someone’s day, and you’ll be helping to provide financial assistance to cancer patients undergoing treatment. For a generous gift of $500 or more, Cupid Joe will customize your valentine message. There are many ways to participate, and donations of any amount will be entered to win a ‘sweet’ prize!
This Valentine’s Day, share the power of love and help us make a difference. Check out all the details by clicking below!
Meet the 2025 Boston Marathon Team!
JAF is proud to announce our 2025 Boston Marathon Team who will be participating in the 129th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America! The 21 runners who comprise Team JAF this year will take to the starting line on Monday, April 21.
Team JAF officially kicked off the festivities at Splitsville in Foxborough, MA, and celebrated that their marathon season has already raised more than $157,000 for JAF!
Thank you to the 2025 JAF Boston Marathon Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: GlideFast Consulting
Water Stop and Cheer Station Sponsor: Henry Schein, Inc.
Click below to learn more about each runner, support your favorite runner, or make a general donation to the team! Be sure to follow JAF on social media to follow along with Team JAF through photos, videos, and stories highlighting their Boston Marathon journey! (search #TeamJAF)
We’re Getting Ready FORE Golf 2025!
On Monday, June 9, 2025, JAF will return to the stunning Black Rock Country Club for the 17th Annual Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament! With every swing, putt, and bogie, participants are raising much needed funds for cancer patients.
Available sponsorships and playing spots will be posted on our event website in early February. Until then, tee signs, which are displayed prominently on the course, are now available for purchase. You can select one of TWO types of tee signs:
1. Traditional tee signs featuring company logo/name
2. “In Honor of” or “In Celebration of” tee signs for those wishing to recognize a colleague, friend, or loved one. Honor someone special or celebrate your graduating senior or dad for Father’s Day!
In addition to on-course and post-event recognition, all tee sign purchasers will also receive a signed photo of Joe standing next to your tee sign on the course for a keepsake! To purchase a tee sign contact Michelle Mason at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Bridge Builders: Resolve to Make a Difference
It’s the New Year and what better way to celebrate than to make a meaningful resolution by joining the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s (JAF) Bridge Builder Giving Society.
As a Bridge Builder, your monthly contribution will bridge the gap for New England cancer patients by providing financial support as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment. For just $5 per month, you can help to ensure JAF will be there for those in need. At a time when a family may feel at its most vulnerable with nowhere to turn for financial help, a grant from JAF can bring much needed relief and peace of mind.
Join our current Bridge Builders and together we can bring help, hope, and a reason to smile to cancer patients and their families throughout the year.
JAF Tees Up for Golf Fights Cancer’s
Golf Marathon: Golfers Wanted!
JAF is thrilled to announce that we’ll be returning as a participant in Golf Fights Cancer’s Golf Marathon being held on Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, MA.
Don’t let the name fool you! This event welcomes golfers of any ability level to spend a fun day golfing and raising money for the Foundation. And, yes – you will be able to finish 100 holes (we’ll be sure to share all the tips and tricks to be successful!)
A day of golf, food, fun, and fundraising to help New England cancer patients. With Joe Andruzzi as the Team JAF’s Captain, it’s going to be a great day! For more information, contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Champions Circle brings together companies that are committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.
What to do about Valentine’s Day?!
In the spirit of Champions Circle support, Hall of Fame member Well Told Design is inviting JAF’s family and friends to have a happy Valentine’s Day by saving 15% on its unique glassware that will help you celebrate the upcoming holiday and other special milestones.
Well Told’s personalized glassware (and other products) tell a story – from detailed maps of any location to views of the night sky from any time and place – their products are a perfect way to celebrate your own story.
Using the Promo Code JAF25, the entire JAF community can enjoy 15% off of their purchase. Visit www.welltolddesign.com to see just how unique their collections are.
Thank you, Well Told, for this generous offer – which is valid until February 28, 2025!
Thank you to the following companies for renewing their Champions Circle Memberships:
Hall of Famer REP Marketing Solutions, Inc., MVP Bestgen Wealth Management, and Teammate Axis Wealth Partners. And a big welcome to the DiCenso Family, our newest Teammate level member.
If you would like to learn more about JAF’s Champions Circle, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org or click below.
